A new social media video launched today by the Public Health Agency (PHA) highlights the importance of getting the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine, particularly given recent measles outbreaks in continental Europe. Dr Jenny Mack, Specialty Registrar in Public Health at the Public Health Agency, said: “Measles is one of the most infectious viral diseases known. It spreads either through direct contact with an infected person or through the air when the patient coughs or sneezes. “It causes high fever and rash that usually passes in about seven to ten days without causing further

A new programme to tackle the increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes has been launched by PHA. The programme has been developed as part of Northern Ireland’s approach to providing innovative services which have a focus on prevention and has been supported by investment from the transformation fund. Approximately 96,000 people are living with diabetes in Northern Ireland, a startling 69.3% increase since 2007 [1]. Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90% of all cases of diabetes and is a serious and progressive condition. The disease can lead to early loss of life, cause preventable sight loss in

A year on from the successful #NotSorryMums breastfeeding campaign, the Public Health Agency (PHA) has seen a huge rise in the numbers joining its Breastfeeding Welcome Here scheme. More than 740 popular family venues, council facilities, cafes, tourist attractions and a host of other businesses are members of the scheme – an increase of more than 200 since the campaign launched at the end of January 2017. All of the venues, along with info on breastfeeding support groups in your area, can be found on www.breastfedbabies.org Janet Calvert, Regional Breastfeeding Lead for the PHA, said: “While

With the clocks set to go forward this weekend and the nights getting brighter, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging everyone to use it as an opportunity to increase their levels of physical activity. Colette Brolly, the PHA’s lead on physical activity, said: “A stretch in the evenings means that we have more opportunity to get involved in physical activity. “There are loads of ways to be more active – many of them perfect for anyone who’s not been physically active for a while, such as walking, gardening swimming or playing outside with the kids. Over the dark winter months it can be

Ahead of World TB Day [24 March], new figures from the Public Health Agency (PHA) have revealed that the number of reported cases of Tuberculosis (TB) has dropped in Northern Ireland. There were 57 cases reported in 2018, down from 71 in 2017 and 85 in 2016. Dr Michael Devine, Consultant in Health Protection at the PHA, said: “TB is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs, but can impact on other parts of the body. It is spread from person to person when someone who has TB of the lungs coughs or sneezes. “Despite the fall in cases over the past three years, TB remains an

As people get ready to celebrate St Patrick’s Day, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging anyone choosing to drink to keep an eye on their alcohol intake by making a plan of setting a limit and sticking to it. The PHA’s Drugs and Alcohol lead Michael Owen said: “A lot of people will be making plans to meet up with their friends and family to celebrate St Patrick’s Day and we are encouraging them to keep an eye on their alcohol intake should they choose to drink. “By setting a plan, you can avoid binge drinking which has been shown to have adverse on our health and safety. “It’s recommended

Drugs and alcohol support services are available in your area. If you or someone you know might have a problem with drug and/or alcohol misuse, please visit www.drugsandalcoholni.info where you can find information about services and help in your local area. Support is also available for families affected by a family member’s substance misuse, irrespective of whether the family member is receiving treatment or not.